Weeping willow

james barton

Ok all you aborists out there . I have a couple of questions for you . First: How far do the roots of a weeping willow extend to ? Second: How much ground water do they consume in a day ? Third : Are they a detriment to a pond ? Thank you jim

Brent Ferris

How big is the tree? Is the pond fed by a spring or is it stagnant water? What kind of soil do you have?

A rough rule of thumb suggests roots extend radially (from the trunk) about 3 feet per inch diameter of trunk. If you have sandy soil, the water probably seeps a goodly distance into the surrounding soil, and tree roots would naturally tap into available water. So the soil surrounding the pond is likely to have a greater effect on the pond's depth, and evaporation, than the water uptake by the tree.. How much water could the tree take up? Kind of depends how big the tree is, how hot and dry and windy the days (and nights)are, and how available the water is to the tree roots. Nice questions, but not easy answers.

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james barton

does anybody know the scientific name for cat tails ? are they used as a filtering devise for a pond ? i've heard that they can also cut off a ponds ability to support aqatic life too . but that they can be controlled too , with the use of harmless chemicals . if i had a john boat i'd pull them out by hand but the stalks can be very sharp at times ( i did some before , so i know ) . if you leave them in a pond, shouldnt they be where the spring enters the pond ? i cant see any good in them being at the overflow . kinda late for filtering i think . i listen to all advise so feel free to tell me . thanks jim

Brent Ferris

Googling cattails shows Typha latifolia.

Cattails and their associated microorganisms improve water and soil quality. They render organic pollution harmless, and fix atmospheric nitrogen, bringing it back into the food chain. They've also been used to reduce soil salinity. The rhizomes interconnect, so most of the plants use the same root system. If your pond is shallow enough, the cattails can fill it in. They are generally considered beneficial, and provide food for wildlife,. And if they are growing at the overflow, isn't it better to have cleaner water going elsewhere?

Common Cattail, Typha latifolia

__________________
My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports
If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too !
We do great jobs, even in small yards.

Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered)